7th meeting of Board of Approvals for Special Economic Zones held

7th meeting of Board of Approvals for Special Economic Zones held in Islamabad today.

Prime Minister Imran Khan presided over the meeting.

He noted the industrial development vital for economic growth.

7th meeting of Board of Approvals for Special Economic Zones

He said the government remains committed to provide ease-of-doing-business to the investors.

The PM said economic activities generated by SEZs will increase job opportunities for local skilled and un-skilled labour.

Moreover, he directed to provide utility services including electricity and gas to the SEZs on priority.

The meeting was apprised that there are 19 SEZs notified in the country.

Those attended the meeting included: Ministers Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Muhammad Hammad Azhar, Senator Shibli Faraz, Advisor on Commerce Abdul Razaq Dawood.

Meanwhile, Chief Ministers Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mehmood Khan and Chief Secretaries of Sindh and Balochistan also attended.

Other senior officers of concerned departments also participated.

Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan and Deputy Governor State Bank joined the meeting via video link.

Moreover, the Board approved SEZ Zone Enterprise Admission and Sale and Lease of Plot Regulations 2020.

The Board Meeting also approved launching of online SEZ Management Information System whereby the approvals process will be digitalized and streamlined and it will also act as a one-window for investors and will ensure transparency.

Meanwhile, Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation Sania Nishtar met the PM in Islamabad today.

Country Director World Bank Najy Benhassine was also present on the occasion.

Comprehensive strategy to further expand Ehsaas Program

Prime Minister Imran Khan directed her to prepare a comprehensive strategy to further expand Ehsaas Program.

The WB official informed Imran Khan that the World Bank has doubled its assistance for Ehsaas Program.

That will help extend social protection to more deserving people.

The Country Director World Bank declared the Ehsaas Program a flagship program of social protection and a role model for other countries.

Furthermore, Najy Benhassine also appreciated the steps which the Prime Minister took for environment protection.

He hailed the Prime Minister’s announcement of shifting to environment friendly renewable energy resources to produce electricity as a highly responsible initiative.

He said it would help to save the region from the harmful effects of climate change.

GTV